Claudius Gothicus vs Ptolemy XII Auletes

Claudius commanded the Roman army against a massive Gothic invasion at Naissus (modern Ni

Following the Battle of Naissus, Claudius pursued the remaining Gothic forces across the Balkans. He cleared them from Thrace and Moesia, and forced them to retreat across the Danube. This campaign ended the Gothic threat to the empire for a generation.

Claudius died of the Antonine Plague (likely smallpox) at Sirmium after a short reign of less than two years. His death was a significant loss for the empire, as he had shown promise as a capable military leader and reformer.

Ptolemy XII Auletes became pharaoh of Egypt after the death of Ptolemy XI Alexander II. His reign was marked by political instability, economic decline, and increasing Roman influence. He was known for his pro-Roman policies and lavish spending.

Ptolemy XII was driven from Egypt by a popular revolt, likely due to his heavy taxation and pro-Roman stance. He fled to Rome, where he sought support for his restoration. His daughter Berenice IV took the throne in his absence.

Ptolemy XII was restored to the Egyptian throne with military support from the Roman governor of Syria, Aulus Gabinius. The Roman army helped him defeat the forces of Berenice IV. He executed his daughter and resumed his pro-Roman policies.

Ptolemy XII made a will naming the Roman Republic as the guardian of his children and the Egyptian kingdom. This will later be used by Julius Caesar to justify Roman intervention in Egypt after Ptolemy's death, leading to the Alexandrian War.